3. In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.

4. During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King's Valley as a monument to himself,

5. Because Absalom never learned and embraced the art of submission, his mission in life was marred. A Marred Mission

6. Characteristics to Be Aware of: When Rebellion Smiles

7. 1. Absalom is angry

8. When someone is controlled by the spirit of Absalom, they feel oppressed and justified in their anger and response to their leader.

9. 2. Absalom becomes a judge in an effort to become a king.

10. In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. 2 Samuel 15:1-4

11. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, "What town are you from?" He would answer, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel." Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you." 2 Samuel 15:1-4

12. And Absalom would add, "If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice." 2 Samuel 15:1-4

13. 3. Absalom competes for an audience.

14. In discrediting David’s leadership, Absalom empowers his own ego driven, self-advancing agenda.

15. 4. Absalom operates through division and diversion because he seeks to devour.

16. 5. Absalom led a smiling rebellion

17. Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.

18. It may begin by him or her praising themself. They will tell you all that they are doing, the people they are connected to, and the great favor over their life. They will complement and encourage you. They will do everything possible to make you feel great about yourself. About how special you are and how much you matter. An Absalom Encounter

19. The conversation will shift at some point. They will begin to bait you with questions, trying to determine your position on issues within the church or company. They will talk about the pastor or leadership and say it is only because they are concerned. Nothing the leadership is currently doing seems to satisfy them. They sow seeds of doubt. An Absalom Encounter

20. They are nominating themselves to become leader. Believe themselves to be a legitimate leader and want you to see it as well. They will tell you what you want to hear in order to gain your allegiance. A true pastor and leader will not tell you what you want to hear; they will tell you what you need to hear. An Absalom Encounter

21. Absalom was the architect of his own demise.

23. The saddest part of Absalom’s story is the fact that he could very well have become king.

24. 1. Ask God for clarity. 2. Seek counsel from your legitimate spiritual leader. 3. Do all things in love. 4. Allow God to contend with the person controlled by the Absalom spirit. 5. Never be a part of a smiling rebellion. How to Contend With the Absalom Spirit

25. Titus 3:10-11 NIV